Terim defends Turan from critics

Turkey head coachFatih Terim has lashed out at fans for booing Arda Turan during their side's 3-0 Euro 2016 Group D loss to Spain on Friday.

The 29-year-old failed to redeem himself against the much-fancied Spaniards at Allianz Riviera, following his below-par showing in Turkey's 1-0 defeat to Croatia on matchday one of the tournament.

The Barcelona attacking midfielder was heavily criticised and booed by a large portion of Turkey's supporters late in the second half of the match in Nice.

"It was not good to see Arda being booed. No coach wants to see something like that," Terim told reporters after the match.

"He is one of our most important players. The expectations were very high, but this should never happen. Nobody deserves this.

"We have to enjoy ourselves. Obviously the way they treated Arda made an impact on the game. I cannot think of a reason for that kind of behaviour.

"I'm criticising myself for the performance of the players who are not performing well. I called them up. Of course, some of them have not been on top of their game. But I should be the one who is criticised. I included them in the team."

Although he was not impressed by his side's lack of presence in the game, Terim congratulated Spain on their empathic display.

"I congratulate Spain, who are a very important team. They are a special team like I mentioned before," Terim continued.

"The first 30 minutes were ok, but we didn't play well from there on. Spain are very strong, one of the strongest sides in the tournament."